Ricky K. Casteel, age 78
February 18, 1946 – August 23, 2024
Ricky K. Casteel, age 78, of Newton, Illinois, passed away at 12:52 PM – Friday, August 23, 2024,
at his home.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 10:00 to 11:00 AM – Friday, August 30, 2024, at the Meyer Funeral Home in Newton, Illinois, with Masonic rites will follow. The burial will be in the Old St Peter Cemetery east Newton, Illinois, with military rites by the members of the Jasper Post #20 American Legion. In loving memory of Rick, memorials may be made to the Shriner’s Ronald McDonald House. The obituary can be viewed, and condolences left at www.meyerfh.com.
Ricky was born on February 18, 1946, in Danville, Illinois, the son of George Kenton and Eunice (McClellan) Casteel of Oakwood, Illinois. He attended school in Oakwood. Following high school, Ricky entered the service, serving in the United States Air Force from November 12, 1965, until his honorable discharge on November 11, 1969. While serving in Aero Space Ground Maintenance, he was stationed at Chanute AFB in Rantoul, Kirkland AFB in New Mexico, Wheelus AFB in Libya, Egypt and McGuire AFB in Maryland.
Ricky was united in marriage to Joan Schuch on July 26, 1970, at St Patrick’s Catholic Church in Urbana, Illinois. A marriage which lasted over 54 years! To this union was born a son Randy Kenton, wife Melissa (Tucker) Casteel, and they presented to them their favorite granddaughter Elizabeth Karen (Miss Ellie). Grandpa’s favorite grandchild!!!
Ricky was a musician from the age of 13, until his passing. He played in many country and western bands, and some of the venues included the Rose Bowl in Urbana, The Old Mill Inn in Newton, and Poor Richards in Olney.
Ricky worked in major appliance repair and heating and cooling repair. He worked at Carle Foundation Hospital Refrigeration in Maintenance, General Electric Major Appliance Repair and Champaign County Maintenance, to name a few.
Ricky was active in the American Legion, as a member of Oakwood Post #610 in Oakwood, Illinois; Urbana Post #71 in Urbana, Illinois; St Joseph Post #634 in St Joseph, Illinois. He served on the board of the Boy Scout Troop 40 in St Joseph, Illinois.
Ricky was a member of the Masons, joining at Ogden Lodge #754 and then moving to Newton Masonic Lodge #216. He was a member of the Valley of Danville Scottish Rite where he was honored to receive the Meritorious Service Award and Mason of the Year. He was also Assistant Coordinator of the Southern District for the Illinois Child Identification Program, now the Illinois Masonic Family Program.
Ricky is loved and will be missed by his family and friends.
